Dj Moppy

After networking with Chris Thomopoulos, better known as Dj Moppy these past few weeks, we were finally able to have an interview with him. Coming from chicago we discovered more of this unique artist, from his intriguing name to what his inspirations are, from his family influences to what he hopes his music can accomplish. We had a chance to expose the inner workings of this charismatic DJ, with a good attitude of “You do You and I do Me”, this down to earth gentlemen is on a goal to move listeners while constantly shaping his craft.

With each and every track he creates, the goal each time is to reach the soul of the listener. Crossing the genres of music to do just that, drawing inspiration from his family, listening to the “MTV” Genre. Pulling from Madonna to Def Leopard, even a little Bon Jovi, from Guns & Roses to Salt & Peppa . Later discovering more of the skate scene with Sublime, Grateful Dead, and Nirvana to Phish, Gang Starr, Dilated Peoples, and DJ Premier, when he finally got his hand on a turn table it was a wrap for him.

“Perfecting your process. However you do your thing.. Make it as awesome as possible.”

Now working with his crew Cutz on Cuts on Ustream he’s constantly practicing and honing in on his skills to bring fresh talent to the music scene. Wanting people to see music as not a popularity contest, but as emotions. Causing rhythm and movement, whether one is at a club or chilling at home. It’s all about the emotions.

Hoping to take underground music to the next level and make his mark on Chicago, he’s making noise to draw attention back onto a scene that should never been taken for granted or forgotten. Keeping real music alive, take a look at DJ Moppy’s words and become inspired to do what makes you happy, he’s producing a L3GACI, are you?

Dj Moppy, I always have the most random images come to mind with that name, What can you tell us about your name?

Haha.. Gladly.. My last name Thomopoulos.. “Son of Tom” in Greek.. I had some Moppy hair growing up.. (I can send you some pics that might make some people laugh, let me know?) A sister’s friend called me Tha Mop when I was in 5th grade… so 10 yrs old? I don’t even know where it got to Moppy, im sure natural progression of a name.. It has had so many variations I can’t even begin to tell you but for example.. Mopzilla, Moopy, Mopple -Titties, Moppenstein, Moe, MP…etc etc.. not as quite elusive a name as my Cutz On Cuts crew member Shazam Bangles .. But it gets a reaction out of people.. I think thats important in Entertainment..

After listening to your tracks, the team tries to define your style, but we can’t, what can you possibly define it as?

Awesome! I appreciate that! .. The one thing I try to touch on for each production is SOUL. Make the music come out of my soul.. Some times I am not happy with the product I am getting and keep working on it until it has that thing about that makes me feel good inside.. Thats when it starts to come together. I work with different genres because I like to listen to different genres, I think its as simple as that. As a DJ I try to cross genre bounderies so why not produce music from different genres.. I think thats the best way to become a great producer .. See things from different angles.

What have been your influences to bring you where you are today?

My mother likes to tell me I’m a great listener. I think that is my greatest influence. She has always had my back when I wanted to do something unique or different. My parents and Family did a great job they are all influences on me. I was the youngest in my family and when I was born in 1983 I had three older sisters ages 6, 15, & 17 .. I’ve been influenced heavily by them early on. I remember alot of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Def Leopard, Bon Jovi, U2, Guns & Roses, Run DMC, Salt & Peppa etc.. MTV music.. In 6th Grade Skateboarding took over my life. That introduced me to groups like Sublime, Grateful Dead, Nirvana, Phish, Gang Starr, Dilated Peoples, Pharcyde, DJ Premier, Rawkus Records etc etc.. Around 5 years later (2000) I touched my first turntables.. I was instantly jealous of that dude who owned those! I worked my ass off washing dishes and cutting fish at a local fish market to buy a “DJ in a BOX” setup.. (two turntables, a mixer, headphones, needles) all ready to go in one box for a reasonable price.. I went into a long spell of just wanting to scratch and being amazed at that alone. Hip Hop became pretty much the only musical influence for me till around 2006.. From than on its been learning about breaks and what Hip Hop Music sampled from my boy MTM and his crew the analog addicts, Picking up on House Music and what influenced Chicago House Music thanks to Yazi & DIZ & Jevon Jackson & Frique and even my Girl CK.

“We need artists that respect the past and want to bring the same integrity to the music as the musicians in the past did. If WE get on and make some noise in the underground and mainstream. We would show love back to the true heads that have been keeping real music alive in our society.”

Now I am influecned by my homies in my crew Cutz On Cuts (Shazam Bangles & RTST), Raj Mahal, Tensei, Push Beats, Abyss, Zainghis, Cos, they are on some next level Future Instrumental Downtempo yet Uptempo Beats… To some it up Influences keep stacking up from old to new creating an enormous list. Whoa sorry I had to go off like that that question was really open though..

How do you constantly continue to shape your craft?

I try to take my inspiration and be able to bring it out at any time. whether on the turntables or producing its a never ending journey to learn. I usually come up with my techniques by accident or watching someone else. So after I try that thing on purpose I can start practicing it and putting my touches on it. Thats what I think it is about.. Perfecting your process. However you do your thing.. Make it as awesome as possible.

“I think alot of people overlook how great of a situation they might be in and don’t respect their Journey”

So far what has been your favorite track to produce?

hmmmm.. I think I was in a zone when I made that Without Love Beat.. I’ve been in and out of production for years with DJing always been my steady focus. I took about 4 years off of producing to study DJing and music. I think when that beat finally came together it brought me back to the reason I started loving Music. It was just so warm and comforting like the first time I played out for a crowd that truly loved me for what I was doing. Just in the pocket grooving not having a care in the world as long as the music is good and the people are dancing. Thats what it made me feel like when I was making that one! .. & even when I listen to it now.

Where has you journey taken you on?

I think the best Journey I could have imagined! Life is truly amazing and I am so lucky to have the influences I have had to get me to where I am. I think alot of people overlook how great of a situation they might be in and don’t respect their Journey; And disregard the possibility that if they start something new or change something negative about them today it can change the future forever.

Any artist in the future you wish to work with?

I would love to work with Each and Every Great artist in the past. From Quincy Jones to Q-Bert. I have a progressive mind and like to think its all a possibility as long as I come through on my end and bring something great to the table.

I also hope to find and work with countless Up & Coming producers, Djs, Musicians, Singers.. I think we are in desperate need for some new blood in the music industry. Not only for our future but for past as well. We need artists that respect the past and want to bring the same integrity to the music as the musicians in the past did. If WE get on and make some noise in the underground and mainstream. We would show love back to the true heads that have been keeping real music alive in our society.

“People forgot what entertainment is supposed to be. Its not a popularity contest.. Its emotion.”

What do you hope listeners to gain from your music?

Some type of emotional gain.. Whether it makes them think of dancing in the club or hanging with their mom.. I try to put emotion into the music I put out and thats all I can ask back of the listener. Some don’t feel it and that is fine. You do you I do me.

What can you begin to define as your L3GACI

My L3GACI is where I came from, Where I’m at now, & Where I’m going…

How do you hope your music to “Create Inspire and Evolve” Society.

You said it BEST! “Create Inspire and Evolve” .. I hope we can bring Cutz On Cuts and keyboardists, and percussionist, and Pop & Lockers, Breakers, Ballerinas & Light OH MY!.. Make it like a musical circus.. As long as it is in Rhythm it can work! People forgot what entertainment is supposed to be. Its not a popularity contest.. Its emotion.

thank you again for your time and can’t wait for your responses.

thank you, Can’t wait for the article!

Check out DJ Moppy’s movement!
10mixes.com
Djmoppy.com
soundcloud
myspace.com
Dj Moppy